Eurovision bans war-affected countries from hosting, raises minimum age to 18
The EBU announced on 12 August 2026 that countries in armed conflicts or sensitive geopolitical situations can no longer host the contest, following Israel's second-place finishes in 2025 and 2026 and a five-country boycott of the Vienna edition.
New hosting eligibility rules
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on 12 August 2026 that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest will no longer automatically host the following edition if the country is affected by an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other circumstance materially impacting the security, safety, or stability of the state or its immediate region. The amendment was approved by the contest's governing body following feedback from participating broadcasters after the 2026 edition in Vienna, where Romania finished third. The EBU, an alliance of 113 public media organizations from 56 countries, may commission an independent security assessment of the winner's region when deemed necessary. After such an assessment, the EBU will consult the Eurovision executive committee to determine whether the winning country can host safely. If a winner is deemed unfit, the EBU will designate an alternative host broadcaster, which will organize the event "in its own name" and not on behalf of another member.
Israel and the boycott
The rule change follows two editions marked by controversy over Israel's participation. Israel finished second in both 2025 and 2026, receiving large numbers of public votes. In 2026, Israel's representative Noam Bettan placed second with the song "Michelle." Five countries staged the first boycott of its kind at the Vienna edition, declining to compete alongside Israel: Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland. They cited Israel's military offensive in Gaza, launched in response to the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas, and the ensuing humanitarian crisis. Israeli broadcaster KAN denied accusations that results were unfairly influenced by mass voting campaigns. Some broadcasters reportedly expressed private concerns about security conditions for hosting in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv should Israel win.
Ukraine precedent
The new rule formalizes a process previously applied ad hoc. Ukraine won the 2022 contest with Kalush Orchestra but could not host the 2023 edition due to Russia's ongoing invasion; the United Kingdom stepped in to organize the event in Liverpool on Ukraine's behalf. Ukraine had previously hosted in Kyiv in 2017, despite a conflict in the country's east with pro-Russian separatists backed by Moscow ongoing since 2014. The formalized assessment procedure now codified in the rules will apply starting with next year's edition in Bulgaria, following Dara's 2026 victory.
- Ukraine hosts Eurovision in Kyiv despite ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014
- Ukraine wins the contest with Kalush Orchestra
- Ukraine unable to host due to Russian invasion; United Kingdom hosts in Liverpool on Ukraine's behalf
- Israel finishes second in Eurovision
- Israel finishes second again; five countries boycott Vienna edition; Dara wins; Romania places third
- EBU announces rule changes: war-affected countries cannot host; minimum age raised to 18; live lead vocals required
Additional rule changes
The EBU also raised the minimum age for contestants from 16 to 18, citing the need to shield younger participants from the pressures of competition. Lead vocal performances must be live, with no support from pre-recorded voices. The EBU stated the clarification aims to preserve the integrity of each performance and ensure audiences hear live lead vocals for every song. ESC director Martin Green framed the changes as part of the contest's ongoing evolution.
These changes are about providing greater clarity to all those involved, protecting the artists and ensuring that the event continues to offer a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving at the same time the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision contest so special.
